We all want to avoid car accidents, but unfortunately, they happen. And sometimes the accident involves multiple vehicles. When more than one party is involved in a car accident, who is held liable?
What is a Multi-Vehicle Accident?
A multi-vehicle accident is when a collision occurs involving several vehicles, at least three or more. This is often referred to as a “pile-up” and is very common on the freeway.
Things can get complex when involved in a multi-vehicle accident. It can be hard to know all of the details, especially when you need to file a claim. The most important thing is to figure out who is at fault for the accident. It may have not even been the vehicle that hit you, but the one that hit them.
Who is Usually at Fault?
The first car to rear-end or hit a vehicle is usually the one at fault for the accident. It may take time and investigation to find that out though. Also, more than one drive can be at fault. If the driver had the opportunity to avoid the crash, they would be held liable.
Car damage, witness reports, and an investigation can usually point to which vehicle started the accident.
What is the Most Common Type of Multi-Vehicle Accident?
A multi-vehicle accident can be the following types of accident:
- Rear-end collision
- Head-on collision
- Intersection crash
- Lane change crash
- Freeway pile-up
The most common of these accidents is the rear-end collision. This is when a vehicle runs into the back of another vehicle, which oftentimes causes a chain reaction and becomes a multi-vehicle accident.
Working with a Car Accident Lawyer
If you have been involved in a multi-vehicle accident or any car accident for that matter, it is in your best interest to consult with a Philadelphia car accident lawyer. The lawyer will be able to handle all of the paperwork regarding the claim so you can focus on healing.
Not only is dealing with the actual accident painful, dealing with the aftermath can also be an exhausting journey. This is why working with a car accident lawyer will only be beneficial. There is a lot of communication that needs to be made between all parties and insurance companies involved in the accident. And when there are multiple vehicles involved, even more parties are involved.
Extra time and paperwork is needed when filing claims after a multi-vehicle accident. The expertise of a lawyer will come in handy to handle all communication and documents.
